Understand

It is the only national forest in Ohio and is clustered in three areas along the Appalachian Mountains and the Ohio River. The southern cluster is primarily located in Lawrence County and spans from Portsmouth to Gallipolis and along the northern banks of the Ohio River. The northwestern cluster primarily spreads across Athens, Hocking and Perry Counties and includes Athens on its southern end. The northeastern cluster is located in Washington and Monroe Counties running from Marietta northeast along the Ohio River.

History

The grounds include many areas that were strip mined in the late 1800s. Accordingly, the forest includes areas experiencing various degrees of reforestation.

Landscape

The forest is nestled in rugged foothills of the Appalachian Mountain Range, north of the Ohio River Valley.

Flora and fauna

The Wayne National Forest boasts more than 2,000 species of plants, including hardwoods, pine and cedar as well as an endangered species, running buffalo clover. Wildlife includes hawks, osprey, wild turkey and songbirds as well as deer and beaver.

Climate

Get in

By plane

Port Columbus International Airport(CMH), take US-33, approximately 45 miles, from Columbus to the northwestern forest cluster.

Buy

Eat

Drink

Sleep

Lodging

Camping

Burr Oak Cove on the northwest tip of the Burr Oak Reservoir. Fee of $5/night during high demand seasons (roughly, Memorial Day to Labor Day). Camping free of charge at other times of the year.

Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area, 143-acre site, more than 25 miles of trails.

Lamping Homestead is a 143-acre site, located 6.5 acres north of Ironton.

Leith Run Recreation Area, located on the northern banks of the Ohio River, approximately 20 miles north of Marietta.

Stone Church Horse Camp includes 21 miles of scenic trails for horseback riding. Fee of $10/night during high demand seasons. Camping free of charge at other times of the year, but campground is closed from December 15th through April 14th.